Laryngopharyngeal (Silent) Reflux Treatment in Mooresville, NC

What Is Laryngopharyngeal Reflux?

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is a condition in which stomach acid reenters the pharynx (throat), larynx (voice box), and nasal airway. Often referred to as "silent reflux," LPR lacks the hallmark symptom of related acid reflux conditions: heartburn; however, LPR symptoms do cause a wide variety of other symptoms which threaten the health of your throat, voice box, and respiratory system.

LPR, while not as prevalent as its close counterpart gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), can affect anyone at any age. Treatment for LPR is important to prevent damage and may include medication, lifestyle changes, or surgery (in severe cases). To schedule a consultation with a healthcare practitioner in Mooresville who specializes in silent reflux treatment, call (704) 658-0286 or contact Integrative and Functional Medicine online.

Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Causes

The causes of laryngopharyngeal reflux are due to the dysfunction of the esophageal sphincters. These structures function much like a flap, preventing the contents of the stomach from reentering the esophagus. However, the upper esophageal sphincter can sometimes not work correctly. This might be because the sphincter muscle is weak or because a sphincter becomes relaxed too often. Additionally, a hiatal hernia might be to blame, as this condition pushes the stomach up past the diaphragm and weakens the sphincter.

Certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing LPR and include:

Dietary choices

Alcohol or tobacco use

Pregnancy

Obesity

Stress

Wearing tight clothing around the midsection

Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Symptoms

Up to 50 percent of people with LPR experience no symptoms. For those who do experience laryngopharyngeal reflux symptoms, discomfort is generally isolated to the throat area. These common symptoms include:

Hoarseness

Sore throat

Persistent cough

Feeling of lump in the throat

Irritation in the voice box or larynx

Difficulty swallowing

Excess throat mucus which causes throat clearing

Post-nasal drip

Adults and children have very similar silent reflux symptoms, but children tend to also experience eating-related symptoms such as spitting up, gaining weight, and inhaling food, as well as breathing trouble such as asthma or apnea.

Tests for Laryngopharyngeal Reflux

To diagnose LPR, your healthcare provider will conduct a thorough physical examination, reviewing your symptoms and medical history. Your practitioner may suggest one or more diagnostic tests to evaluate the health of your esophagus, stomach or throat and to help select the best treatment course. The most common tests for laryngopharyngeal reflux disease include:

Endoscopy: Your healthcare practitioner will put a viewing device called a Flexible Fiberoptic Laryngoscope down your throat to view your vocal cords for signs of inflammation and redness.

24-Hour pH monitoring: Similar to an endoscopic exam, a tube is inserted through the nose into the esophagus. The device will be connected to a small computer which will monitor and measure the amount of acid reflux that enters the esophagus and throat.

Barium swallow study: In this test, you will swallow a special metal called barium, which will cover your throat, esophagus, and stomach and allow your practitioner to see the organs much more clearly. Your healthcare practitioner will then take an X-ray.

Treating Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease

There are many different ways to treat LPR depending on your unique needs. These treatments involve medication, diet, lifestyle habits and, if all else fails, surgery.

Medication

Laryngopharyngeal reflux medication, such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or H2 blockers, are designed to reduce the amount of gastric acid in your stomach. Certain medication can also be taken to target and treat the specific symptoms of LPR. Individuals with LPR typically require larger doses of medication than those with GERD before seeing improvement in LPR symptoms.

Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle habits are a key part of your LPR treatment, with a particular emphasis placed on your diet. Your healthcare provider may recommend one or several of the following lifestyle changes:

Avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco

Reducing consumption of carbonated drinks and acidic foods

Eliminating foods like chocolate, mints, and tomato-based foods from the diet

Eating smaller portioned meals

Avoiding food and drink at least 3 hours before going to bed

Elevating your head with a pillow or bed wedge while laying down

Wearing looser clothing around the midsection

Avoiding throat clearing unless necessary

Losing weight (if overweight)

Surgery

In severe cases, medication and lifestyle changes may fail to provide relief from LPR symptoms. In these cases, a fundoplication can be done to restore function to the esophageal valve.

Although LPR can cause uncomfortable and potentially damaging symptoms, you can control the condition with effective treatment options. To meet with a healthcare practitioner who can help treat your laryngopharyngeal reflux disease, call (704) 658-0286 or contact Integrative and Functional Medicine online.